Big thank you from Lisburn.com

Local girls represent city at Star Search contest

by STACEY HEANEY

Local girls, Laura Wight, Zoe Walker, Rebecca McComb and Sophie Farr, aka 4Tune, with Strand Director Ronnie Rutherford and Children's BBC Presenter Ande Gray.

Local girls, Laura Wight, Zoe Walker, Rebecca McComb and Sophie Farr, aka 4Tune, with Strand Director Ronnie Rutherford and Children's BBC Presenter Ande Gray.

Megan Allinson from Brownlee PS.

Megan Allinson from Brownlee PS.

TALENT from the city shone brightly at a recent Star Search contest when Lisburn was well represented at the shows throughout March.

Saturday nights throughout the past month were buzzing with excitement as live entertainment returned to The Strand Cinema in East Belfast for the first time in 30 years.

The Strand Star Search process began with over 100 people auditioning for the talent contest — held in partnership between The Strand Cinema and Arts and Media company NiStars - in late January for the chance to advance on to the live finals in March.

Over the course of three weeks, 13 acts each week performed for the audience — who voted through three winners each week to The Grand Final, held on March 24.

Lisburn was well represented at the finals with several acts including—Megan Allinson (Dancer) and Hollie Strong (Singer) from Brownlee Primary School, Lauren Warren and Kathryn Yeow (Singers) from Wallace High and girl band 4TUNE — all pupils at Laurelhill Community College - making it through to the live finals.

After winning their heat to advance on to the grand final 4TUNE — Laura Wight, Zoe Walker, Rebecca McComb and Sophie Farr, all aged 14 — finished 2nd, winning themselves six months worth of free cinema visits each, and also the opportunity to perform at The Strand's first variety night in 30 years on April 28.

The event had a strong Lisburn presence as the host Ande Gray, a children's BBC presenter, and also founder of NiStars — is also from the city.

Ande commented: "The talent level was incredible and it was so good to see such a strong talent roster coming out of Lisburn to represent the city — the 4TUNE girls did so well, and I can't wait to start working with them on some other projects."

Tickets for the Strand Variety Night on April 28 — featuring a performance from 4TUNE and headlined by sing-a-long with ABBA performance are available now from The Strand on 02890 655830.

stacey.heaney@ulsterstar.co.uk

Ulster Star
30/03/2012